Today’s Trade Alerts include: Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE: TM), Auto Zone Inc. (NYSE: AZO), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (Nasdaq: ISLE), Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) and Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG).

Toyota Motor Corp (TM) Trade Alert – TM in Talks with JBIC to Line up Financing

Toyota Motor Corp (TM) shares slipped .33% to $60.46 by mid-day. Toyota Motor operates in the automotive industry worldwide. It engages in the design, manufacture, assembly and sale of passenger cars, minivans, trucks, and related parts and accessories.

Toyota Financial Services, Toyota’s auto loan operation, recently asked the government-backed Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for some 200 billion yen in loans to help fund its operations in the United States.

According to a report, Toyota’s financing unit has requested the official credit as even firms with high levels of creditworthiness face problems in taking out loans from private-sector lenders under the global financial crisis. Toyota said its subsidiary is taking advantage of an emergency financing facility recently created by JBIC to help Japanese firms operating abroad that are confronting fundraising difficulties.

Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano said Tuesday the government will provide $5 billion from its foreign exchange reserves of $1 trillion later this month to Japanese firms through JBIC.

“As an unusual and extraordinary measure, we will lend funds from foreign reserves to JBIC so that the money can supplement the bank’s fund-providing activities” and be extended to Japanese companies, he said.

The Toyota City, Japan-based company offers hybrid vehicles primarily under the Prius brand, which run on a combination of gasoline engine and motor. Its products also comprise conventional engine vehicles, including subcompact and compact cars consisting of Corolla sedan and Yaris brands; mini-vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and auto parts; mid-size models comprising Camry, Mark X, Premio, Allion, and Blade brands; and luxury models encompassing Lexus, Crown, and Century limousine.

In addition, Toyota offers sports and specialty vehicles, which include Lexus SC and Scion tC brands; pickup trucks that comprise Tacoma and Tundra; recreational and sport-utility vehicles, including Sequoia, 4Runner, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, and Land Cruiser; minivans and cab wagons that primarily include Alphard, Vellfire, Sienna, Estima, Hiace, Regius Ace, Noah, and Voxy, as well as Wish, Sienta, and Isis brands; trucks consisting of large trucks with a load capacity of over 10 tons, medium trucks with a load capacity between 4 and 8 tons, and small trucks with a load capacity of between 2 and 4 tons; and buses, including large to medium buses used primarily as tour buses, public buses, small buses, and micro-buses.

Further, the company provides finance to dealers and their customers for the purchase or lease of Toyota vehicles. Additionally, it engages in the design and manufacture of prefabricated housing and information technology-related businesses, including intelligent transport systems and an e-commerce marketplace, called Gazoo.com.

In today’s daily chart, TM is trading within its Bollinger Bands, a normal condition signaling that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold relative to the recent price action. MACD reflects strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock’s 13-day moving average, the bearish sign is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.

Auto Zone Inc. (AZO) Trade Alert – AZO Q2 Earnings beat Estimates; Outperform Rating Backed

Auto Zone Inc. (AZO) shares surged 7.74% to $150.87 by noon today. AutoZone operates as a specialty retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. Its stores offer various products primarily to do-it-yourself customers for use in cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products.

The largest U.S. auto-parts retailer recently said its second-quarter profit jumped 9%, beating Wall Street expectations. The company strong demand for its parts and supplies as more customers chose to fix and maintain the vehicles they had rather than buy new ones.

In a conference call with analysts and investors, chairman, president and CEO Bill Rhodes stated, “We feel our business may be benefiting from the general slowdown in the economy. We think a greater number of people may be focusing on maintaining their vehicles given today’s economy.”

For the quarter ended February 14, the company earned $115.9 million, or $2.03 per share, compared with $106.7 million, or $1.67 per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Sales rose 8 percent to $1.45 billion from $1.34 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a more modest profit of $1.85 per share on $1.38 billion in sales.

In related news, Gary Balter of Credit Suisse backed his Outperform rating for AutoZone and raised his price target by $13 to $175, citing the better-than-expected results and expectations of sales growth in the second half of the fiscal year.

Auto Zone ’s automotive hard parts product line includes A/C compressors; alternators; batteries and accessories; brake drums, rotors, shoes and pads; carburetors; clutches; CV axles; engines; fuel pumps; mufflers; shock absorbers and struts; starters; and water pumps.

Its maintenance items include antifreeze and windshield washer fluid; belts and hoses; chemicals, including brake and power steering fluid, oil, and fuel additives; fuses; lighting; oil and transmission fluids; oil, air, fuel, and transmission filters; oxygen sensors; protectants and cleaners; refrigerant and accessories; sealants and adhesives; spark plugs and wires; wash and wax; and windshield wipers.

AutoZone’s accessories and non-automotive product line comprises air fresheners, cell phone accessories, drinks and snacks, floor mats, hand cleaners, neon lighting, mirrors, paint and accessories, performance products, seat covers, steering wheel covers, stereos, and tools.

The company also offers commercial sales program that provides commercial credit, and delivery of parts and other products to local, regional, and national repair garages, dealers, and service stations.

In addition, it sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software, as well as diagnostic and repair information, auto and light truck parts, and accessories on the Web at autozone.com. As of August 30, 2008, AutoZone operated 4,092 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and 148 stores in Mexico.

In today’s daily chart, AZO’s MACD reflects a strong bullish signal, with the indicator above the 9-day moving average signal line, and also above the 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending higher. Trading above its upper Bollinger Band, the stock reflects an overextended condition relative to its recent price action and is due for either a pause or retracement.

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) Trade Alert – PFO, Bausch Collaborate to Promote Eye Drugs in the U.S.

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) rose 1.29% to $11.81 mid-day today. Pfizer engages in the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription medicines for humans and animals worldwide.

Pfizer signed a deal with Bausch & Lomb- to co-promote prescription eye-care drugs in the U.S., a move seen to significantly increase the support for the products.

According a report, the five-year agreement involves Pfizer’s glaucoma drug Xalatan and three Bausch products: Alrex for conjunctivitis, Lotemax for inflammatory conditions, and Zylet, which is a combined anti-inflammatory and anti-infective medicine.

In addition, the deal Bausch’s besifloxacin, an anti-infective eye drop under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Flemming Ornskov, Bausch’s global president of pharmaceuticals, said in a statement, “Working in collaboration, our U.S. sales organizations will now represent one of the broadest product offerings in the U.S. ophthalmic market.”

The eye-care announcement follows New York-based Pfizer’s move to begin selling dozens more generic drugs in the U.S. and Europe through new deals with Indian generic company Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.

Pfizer’s operates through several segments, including Pharmaceutical and Animal Health/

Pfizer also involves in contract manufacturing and bulk pharmaceutical chemicals businesses. It serves doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, managed care organizations, and government agencies.

In today’s daily chart, PFE’s Bollinger Bands indicate greater than normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. With share prices currently below the stock’s 13-day moving average, an indication of a bearish trend is generally considered.

Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (ISLE) Trade Alert – ISLE Posts Q3 Profit on Insurance Settlement

Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (ISLE) shares dropped 9% to trade at $2.73 mid-day. Isle of Capri Casinos and its subsidiaries engage in the development, ownership and operation of gaming facilities, and related lodging and entertainment facilities in the United States and internationally.

The St. Louis, Missouri-based company recently posted earnings for the third quarter helped by an insurance claim settlement related to its Biloxi property for damages sustained during Hurricane Katrina.

For the period ended January 25, Isle of Capri posted net income of $46.1 million, or $1.45 per share, compared with a loss of $13.8 million, or 45 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

According to a report, the $95.2 million Hurricane Katrina insurance claim inflated results which continued to be pressured by the general malaise in the casino industry. Excluding that, the company recorded a loss of 42 cents per share.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters predicted a loss of 34 cents per share. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Revenue grew 14% to $308.2 million from $269.7 million. Excluding the insurance payment, revenue fell to $248.2 million. Analysts forecast revenue of $257.5 million.

The company also said cost savings measures and other operating improvements enabled the company to reduce cash corporate expenses 24% during the current quarter compared to the comparable quarters of the previous fiscal year, which largely offset revenue decline.

Looking ahead, the company said after expenses related to the elimination of deferred finance costs and transactions costs, it expects to recognize a pretax gain of about $57 million during the fourth quarter.

Isle of Capri’s properties include Lake Charles, Louisiana; Lula, Biloxi, and Natchez, Mississippi; Kansas City, Boonville, and Caruthersville, Missouri; Bettendorf, Rhythm City-Davenport, Marquette, and Waterloo, Iowa; Black Hawk and Colorado Central Station – Black Hawk, Colorado; and Pompano Park, Florida, as well as international properties, such as Our Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island; and Blue Chip-Dudley, Blue Chip-Wolverhampton, and Coventry, the United Kingdom.

The company operates its properties under the brands the isle, Isle of Capri, Colorado Central Station, and Rhythm City. As of April 27, 2008, it operated 14 casinos in the United States; and four casinos in England and Grand Bahamas, as well as operated a harness racing track in its casino in Florida.

In today’s daily chart, ISLE’s MACD reflects strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. Trading near its lower Bollinger Band, the stock reflects low price relative to its recent price action. With share prices currently below the stock’s 13-day moving average, the bearish sign is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.

Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) Trade Alert – ALK to Propose ‘Say on Pay’ Resolution to Shareholders for its 5 Highest-paid Executives

Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) shares fell 7.92% to $18.96 mid-day today. Alaska Air Group, through its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., operates as an airline company serving destinations in the western United States, Canada and Mexico.

Alaska Air recently announced it will propose a “say on pay” resolution to allow stockholders a nonbinding vote on compensation for the company’s five highest-paid executives. The company’s proxy statement is scheduled to be filed by April 1.

The company said it will become one of the first public companies in the nation to voluntarily solicit stockholder input on pay.

Phyllis Campbell, chair of the compensation committee of Alaska Air Group’s board, stated, “The board has long been concerned about trends in executive compensation that have led to excessive pay packages and ultimate harm to stockholders, customers and employees.”

The board’s decision to include an advisory resolution on executive compensation in this year’s proxy statement follows a proposal by stockholders to do so that received a majority of proxy votes in 2008.

In other news, Alaska Airlines will serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, marking the 31st year the airline has supported the race.

As part of its sponsorship, Alaska Airlines also will provide air transportation and dog-care supplies for a team of 45 Iditarod veterinarians who care for the race dogs’ health and safety

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company provides passenger air services; and freight and mail services primarily to and within the state of Alaska, and on the West Coast. As of December 31, 2007, Alaska Airlines operated a fleet of 115 jet aircraft; and Horizon Air Industries operated a fleet of 21 jets and 49 turboprop aircraft.

In today’s daily chart, ALK’s Bollinger Bands indicate greater than normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD reflects strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower.

Walgreen Co. (WAG) Trade Alert – WAG February Sales Increase, Same-store Sales Fall ; to Release Q2 2009 Earnings on March 23

Walgreen Co. (WAG) shares slipped 1.64% to $22.85 today. Walgreen operates a chain of drugstores in the United States.

The Deerfield, Illinois-based drugstore chain posted February sales of $5.08 billion, an increase of 3.4% from $4.92 billion for the same month in 2008.

Citing prior year’s leap day, along with declines in the pharmacy products, Walgreen its February same-store sales fell 1.9%.

Same-store pharmacy sales fell 0.9% while comparable front end, or nonpharmacy, sales fell 3.5%. Same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least one year, are a key metric of a retailer’s fiscal health because they measure sales at established stores rather than newly opened ones.

The drugstore chain opened 19 stores in February, including one relocation, acquired three and closed one. The company has said it will further slow store openings in the economic downturn and continue focusing on updating older locations.

The company will release second quarter 2009 earnings on Monday, March 23, at 7 AM CDT. At 7:30 AM CDT, the company will host a live earnings conference call with CEO Greg Wasson and CFO Wade Miquelon. Call-in details will be announced later.

Walgreen’s drugstores sell prescription and non-prescription drugs and general merchandise. Its general merchandise comprises beauty care, personal care, household items, candy, photofinishing, greeting cards, seasonal items and convenience food.

The company provides its services through drugstore counters, as well as through mail, by telephone, and on the Internet. As of August 31, 2008, Walgreen operated 6,934 locations, which include 6,443 drugstores, 364 worksite facilities, 115 home care facilities, 10 specialty pharmacies, and 2 mail service facilities in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. It also owned 28 strip shopping malls.

In today’s daily chart, WAG is trading within its Bollinger Bands, a normal condition signaling that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold relative to the recent price action. MACD reflects strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock’s 13-day moving average, the bearish sign is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.

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